PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AIDS

The relationship between social support and the welfare of the recipie nt of support has been well documented in the clinical and research li terature; however, HIV-positive individuals have seldom been examined in this context. This study attempted to bridge this gap by examining the perceived availability of social support of 77 persons living with HIV/AIDS. No statistically significant differences were found between the perception of support provided by friends or family members. Impl ications for therapists and directions for future researchers are sugg ested.